Bill James' thoughts on the Dodgers…

Just got this press release that you can all debate. Personally, I’d like to think we’re higher than the 13th best young talent in the Majors, but I can’t say that I know every other organization or have studied them to be able to compare. I’m certain that Chad Billingsley got short-changed in this discussion and DeWitt is not even mentioned in the list of talented yong Dodgers, but in any event, enjoy debating…

Bill James names Matt Kemp and James Loney among top 25 young talent in baseball

Claims Dodgers #13 among all major league teams in young talent

In the second year of his newly developed “Young Talent Inventory,” groundbreaking baseball analyst Bill James names Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp 7th and first baseman James Loney 20th on his list of the top 25 major league ballplayers under 30 years old. In The Bill James Handbook 2009, to be published on November 1, 2008, James also judges the Dodgers to have the thirteenth-best overall young talent in Major League Baseball, up seven places from last year.

“2008 really was not a great year for young talent, except pitchers,” James says in his new book. “Some young position players took a step forward (Dustin Pedroia, Matt Kemp, James Loney, Stephen Drew, Joey Votto, Josh Hamilton, Jose Lopez, Geovany Soto, Nate McLouth); others took a step backward (Troy Tulowitzki, Ryan Zimmerman, Alex Gordon, Jeff Francouer). But the only really huge talent to emerge in 2008 was Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays.”

“In pitching, on the other hand, it was a good year,” argues James. “Tim Lincecum, Jon Lester, John Danks and others emerged as major young talents–others including Jair Jurrjens, Ricky Nolasco, Mike Pelfrey and Edinson Volquez.” James points out that evaluating the best young talent is a transitory task: “Virtually everyone who is on this list now will drop off within two years. In baseball, you get over being ‘young’ really quickly.” What is remarkable about this year’s list, he says, is that there is little turnover this year compared to last, which means that relatively little new talent emerged.

To achieve his inventory, James first eliminates from the list all players who were 30 years old or older in 2008. He employs two widely used statistics–“Runs Created” for position players and “Runs Allowed” for pitchers–as the basis for comparison. He makes several adjustments, including for injuries suffered during the year and the differences in predictability between pitchers and position players, and then takes into account the number of years the player should be at his peak performance.

James lists the Dodgers as the #13 team in all of baseball for young talent, just below the L.A. Angels of Anaheim and the Oakland A’s: “Nobody on the A’s is all that good, at least not yet, but they lead the world in guys who should get better. The Dodgers are the exact opposite of the A’s; they have very impressive young talent in Kemp, Ethier, Billingsley, Loney and Kershaw, Broxton and Martin, but their issue is depth.”

Only four teams–the Brewers (Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun), the Mets (David Wright and Jose Reyes), the Red Sox (Dustin Pedroia and Jon Lester), and the Dodgers (Matt Kemp and James Loney)–placed two players in James’ list of top 25 young players.

As James has noted often, “Competitive teams don’t have as much room to let young players thrash around, and consequently most of the top teams don’t show as having a lot of young talent. They may have the young talent; it just isn’t in the lineup yet.”

For further information on The Bill James Handbook 2009go to www.actasports.com or call Gregory Pierce at 800-397-2282.

670 Comments

Repost from last thread…
Good morning ITD boys and girls,
Okay, I’ve already given my ideas on the “if I was the GM of the team” question.

Scott – You were asking about the opinion of Honeycutt. For me, it’s not that I don’t like Honeycutt, but the thought of Greg Maddux being a player/coach excites me a great deal better. I think having Greg Maddux on our team as a player/coach would attract attractive suitors. I firmly believe that there is a reason why the Dodgers are one of Peavy’s choices to waive his no-trade clause. That’s because he and Maddux were close in SD, and I think Peavy would LOVE to be reunited with Maddux. And on a similar note, I think Maddux would be able to help our young pitchers (Billz, Kersh, McDonald) the same way he helped Peavy with the Cy Young in 2007. That is just, plain exciting to me!!!

I don’t really have anything to take issue with here. Small market teams have to not only play alot of younger talent, they have to keep a plethora of it coming up through the farm system or they don’t survive. Its retaining the talent when they come of age that the small market teams can’t do. That’s what makes them mostly AAAA teams for the big market clubs.

Yeah Scott. Billz’ meltdown in NLCS hurt him and his team, no doubt. But to me that doesn’t diminish what he did for us during the season. I have no doubt that Billz will be our #1 pitcher soon, very soon. I would love it if it was in 2009, but realistically, I’m not sure if that’ll happen. But 2010??? Yes, I think most definitely!

First, Prince Fielder, the #1 player in MLB under the age of 30? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Second, TruBlue, you want enchanted to have a top job? Well, he can be the GM! I would have no problem working under the Beaver! He and I would get along juuuuust fine! What? Oh. (Don’t worry. No one will notice…..)

Reposted from the last thread:

I’ve never been impressed with Honeycutt. Down. I can’t stand it when we get ahead of a hitter and start nibbling until the count is full. Fine, toss that 0-2 pitch 6 inches out of the zone and see if they’ll chase it. If they don’t, go after ’em! If he’s got anything to do with all those full count ‘hit me’ pitches, thumbs way down.

And ‘lest we forget, we caught lightning in a bottle (riding Gibson and Hershiser) in ’88. We finished 5th in ’86 and 4th in ’87. We didn’t win the division again until ’94, finishing 4th, 2nd, 2nd, 6th (last for the 1st time in a CENTURY!), and 4th in the 5 years between ’88 and ’94. We weren’t exactly a powerhouse in that era. I hope us to be a real force for a while now.

Good points Eric about that ’88 season. Gibson was never the same after thrashing his body that year and the rest of the roster (position players) was garbage really. The current team has a much better core group. I would love to see a rotation with Bills, Kersh, Mac, and Elbert someday. I also agree with giving DY a shot at 2B.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but Blake DeWitt reminds me of Ron Cey in his demeanor at the plate. I’ll forgive those GIDP’s since he’s only 22.

Unfortunately Ethier didn’t get mentioned because he wasn’t full-time starter for the entire season. Thank Torre for that stupid decision.
Chad definitely got shortchanged, he won 16 games. We overrate
DeWitt, just the honest truth.

There are a lot of worries that Prince Fielder is going to follow his father and let his body get out of control, & hust be too big to be effective.

I have no problems with Bill James’ ratings except for Fielder who will not be a productive player for much longer for reasons given by “og109”. #2-7 are outstanding.

Anyone living in So Cal can see that K-Rod is a scary ( and I don’t mean scary good) reliever. He’s kind of been a ***** and he flirts with disaster almost every save he gets. Whoever pays him mega millions next year is going to be in deep when Franky has to deal with any adversity. Rated too high.

I kind of agree with the list of teams. I think a lot of our issues had to do with management and how they utilized our young players (ie. Ethier,Kemp,DeWitt, LaRoche). If they would have stuck with the young players all year, and let them progress like they should have, I think we would have been higher on the list. Torre was so convinced that the vets had “gotten it” that many of our young players didn’t even get the chance to shine well into the season.

Also with Andre not being on the individual list, there are only two 26 year-olds on the list anyway, but I think he definitely would have been on there if he had been “Everyday Dre.” Then again, this is his third year, and maybe he’s past the point of being young to being mature.

Hey everyone, who are you picking for the World Series? I really want to see the Rays win due to it being a great story, and I want to see the Phillies and their fans humbled after all the crap they put our Dodgers through. 🙂

OK JOSH , thanks for the post.
AND GOOD LUNCH TIME ITD!
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PERU – (You are MIKE?), the multipersonalities of ITDs always confuses me…but thanks for the TOUR suggestion…can’t wait to meet my ITD friends!
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MARTIN should of been on that list, so he had a rough end of the season but he is still great. And YES regardless of how long ETHIER played, he should of been on that list too. He was very impressive and he had a big contribution of why the Dodgers made it to the playoffs. And CHAD was over looked…
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BUT THERE IS ALWAYS NEXT YEAR AND HOPEFULLY OUR ETHIER WILL BE #1 ON THAT LIST.

ENCHANTED CONGRATULATIONS GM…THIS WILL BE A FUN OFFSEASON. So what is your first duty as GM?
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PERU – I believe just about all of our ITD pips are cheering for RAYS to win…f***the Phillies…(Excuse my language)…GO RAYS!

This is a repost I made at the end of the last thread:
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A couple of weeks ago I mentioned an incident that happened when I made the trek down to Dodger Stadium to watch a couple of games. To preface this I work in the security field and deal with tough situations on a daily basis. Both verbally as well as physically. I’ve been a bouncer at night clubs as well. I generally know how to talk with people (I’m better in person than this blogging. Still getting used to it!).
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My story is Wifey and I go to the Saturday night game (10/20) against the Giants. I’m so pumped to be going to a game at Dodger Stadium after all of my years going to games up here In Nor Cal against the Giants I was pumped to root for the home team and against the Giants.
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I mean you have no idea how excited I am (Well maybe you do!)!!
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I paint my face blue. I’m wearing my Dodger cap and Jersey as is Wifey.
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I buy my seats from Stub Hub in Field Level Section 45 row D. Ticket price is $40.00 each. When all is said & done with processing fees etc, I paid about $120.00 for the 2 seats.
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We get there early when the gates open to take in batting practice. I always get there early.
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So were at the game and enjoying it. But in our section, it is non stop beach balls. I mean every inning from the get go. I mainly ignore them but I can’t see the game as so many people are standing up in front of me looking back screaming for the ball (Hasn’t anyone ever seen a beach ball before?). I mean you’d think they were throwing money around!
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During this time there is a Giants fan in front of me and 2 sitting in the row behind me to my right. After a few innings the one in front of me isn’t being bothered to much but the 2 guys sitting behind me are just getting slammed. Not just boos. Peanuts, beer, and anything else that people could throw. They were just sitting there. They hadn’t been obnoxious or rubbing in anything. They had just been sitting there. This one big guy keeps standing up and turning around and flipping them off and saying **** the Giants. His buddy is standing the whole game and continually is screaming **** the Giants and anytime something goes well or doesn’t gives the bird.
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So somewhere during this time there is this guy in about his 50’s with his mother in her 80’s and son in his early 20’s, and a beach ball falls in his lap and he takes out his keys and pops it. I’m like, “You’re my kind of guy! I hate the beach balls!”.
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So as the game continues whenever a beach ball lands on me I give it to them & they pop it. I don’t go out of my way but if one lands on me it goes to them. Of course people were booing. I thought it was kind of funny and didn’t realize that my and Wifey’s safety was in danger. I really didn’t think it was such a big deal until some of the thugs behind me started to threaten us. This one guy is yelling that we are ruining “the kids fun”. Well I’m all about kids having fun at the game but it’s the adults that are doing most of the “beach balling.
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So this one guy is standing up 2 rows behind us throwing things at us. We ignore him. The whole row behind us ends up leaving after an inning. It’s now around the 7th inning. This dude is still threatening to “punk” us. We’ve since stopped confiscating the beach balls.
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So the picture is of this.
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Numerous people standing up in front of me looking back towards the various beach balls bouncing around & screaming “hit it here”. Dude standing yelling **** the Giants while bouncing up and down doing his little dance and continues to flip off anyone who is a Giants fan as well as towards the field. Of course he has a couple of under 10 year old kids in tow. Meanwhile beer is being thrown at the Giants fan behind us a few seats over and were having peanuts & other food items thrown at us while being told were going to be “punked” & “were going to get it”.
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Ahhhh what a great night at Dodger Stadium. I’m sure glad I paid $200.00 for tickets food & parking! I can’t wait to come back tomorrow!!!
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It gets worse.
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Thug behind us keeps calling for someone to toss him a beach ball so he can get us. Of course he obtains one and spikes it at us from about 3 feet away. It goes in between Wifey & the 20 year old kid. I turn to the kid and we agree that there was a cause to the wayward beach ball.
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So Thug’s upset that he has poor aim he obtains another ball and this time pops Wifey in the side of the face. Now I know a beach ball isn’t a hard item but spiked into your face from about 3 feet away isn’t a pleasant experience. And Wifey is the kindest, most gentle person I’ve know. I mean she really is. My family is always telling me how lucky I am to of met her!!
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I jump and and start telling him enough and to sit down and watch the game. That were all good and to let it go. Well of course he has about 10 of his shaved headed, tattooed, gottee’d up friends come climbing down the rows ready and wanting to “throw down” & “let’s go” along with all the wonderful names being called to me.
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This is when security decides to show up. All 2 of them. We’re all telling what’s going on and they (Security) tell me to sit down and just ignore them. They are all drunk and swearing at us. I ask the security guy isn’t this a no tolerance stadium. He says yes. I’m like well listen to them they are all swearing at us they need to go. He again tells me to sit down and he’ll take care of it. So I sit down and “ignore” them. A few minutes later the security guy taps me on the shoulder and says everyone is okay just ignore them and they’ll be cool. He also says you know “it was just a beach ball” while referring to Wifey being hit. So I ignore them.
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Well it is hard to watch a game when your being called out to behind your back wondering if & when your going to be jumped. I should of just left but I’m a stubborn guy that doesn’t want them to “win” the stadium. They should be the ones to go. They are drunk and swearing left & right. So who is ruining it for the kids???
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Wifey is like I’m scared can we go? So we were getting ready to pack up and go when finally I hear the 50 year old guy yell, “That’s it! I’m with my mother” and he jumps up and climbs over our aisle (This guy wasn’t small and he probably could of taken out 2-3 on his own but there were probably about 10 or more that were ready to jump in). I jumped up and over the row and in between him and them and was yelling at him that it’s not worth it and pushing him back all the while having them swearing at me/us and getting all huffed up.
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So security shows up. Then a few more guards show up as well & after a few minutes some police. They escort 8 of them from the stadium. But the main culprit is still behind us and they leave him and a couple of his buddies.
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So we end up leaving in the 8th inning. I never leave a game early!!! I ask for an escort to our cars because I know there are 8 guys outside the stadium that are going to want to throw down and I know they don’t fight fair. 1 vs 8 would be fair to them.
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So I ask myself, do I ever want to go to a Dodger game again. Do I really want to support this team when they don’t have enough security in the stands to stop the problems. When I go to the LA area am I know going to go to Angels games instead of Dodger games?
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Let’s put it this way it really darkened a vacation trip for us. Wifey & I both weren’t going to go the next day even though I already had tickets to the game. I told her we would go and then leave at the 1st sign of trouble. I felt it was a Sunday day game so maybe they would all be hung over and not make it there.
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This is just my experience but I don’t think it’s unusual. All night it was nothing but fights in the stands from what I saw. Also when we went last year we saw many things going on that were pretty bad and heard nothing but foul language and taunts of the Rockies fans.
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I’m sorry that this is so long. I’ve thought about not posting it but after the conversation regarding the issue I wanted to bring my incident up. I’m still very discouraged about what happened and not sure if I’ll make any games next year. But it’s like after 911 (Not to make 911 this small). I wanted to fly to show I wasn’t scared. I don’t want to not go to games and be another good customer and fan. My not going adds to the percentage of bad fans that are there. These guys are there to do one thing… fight.
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McCourt can put his Green Chain all he wants but it’ll not make anything nicer there if he doesn’t hire enough security, properly train them & when at the first sign they see people giving the bird, acting up, or swearing and being general huligan’s, kick them out he’ll be losing this lifelong Dodger fan and I’ll be sen in Angel stadium not Dodger Stadium.
By dcollins3073@sbcglobal.net on October 22, 2008 12:13 PM
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Back to baseball…
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One name on that list is David Wright.
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I’ve heard some grumbling from the media that the Met’s could be open to trading him.
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If that’s the case I think he could be a great fit here.
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What do you guys think???

Josh – does Frank so value the almighty paying beer guzzling $$ and so little value families and personal safety that this kind of thing is allowed to go on? I’m somewhat surprised to not hear of any pending lawsuits. I know alcohol is a huge revenue producer, but this kind of behavior from fans belongs in the Oakland Coliseum, not Dodger Stadium.
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At least not the one I used to know…

DCOLLINS…I hate fans like that. But I’ve notice that there is always fights in Dodgers vs Giants games. I attended one last year (Dodger Stadium) with my husband and kids and man we had fights behind us. My husband just grab the kids and told me to just prepare to run down if we have to. And don’t let the kids see what’s going on. OH yeah it was Martin’s bobble head night. I was seating between home & first, reserver level I believe. The sad thing was that instead of being Giants fans vs Dodgers fans it was Dodgers fans vs Dodgers fan. Alcohol should be limited. Those guys that were sitting behind you should of been kicked out. So both my husband and I agree that never again are we attending a DODGERS VS GIANTS game WITH KIDS.

enchanted–I’ve never had a worse time at a game in my life. This is from someone who goes to Dodgers games in San Francisco since I moved here in ’77. I was a kid then but have gone as an adult (18+ y.o.) to usually 3-4 games a year.
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As I think about it, it was probably one of the more lousy experiences of my life. It was just really discouraging. I really didn’t care if we went to the game the next day. We got there at 1st pitch and that seldom happens with me. I’m always there when gates open. I’m like a kid in the candy shop, all wide eyed and enjoying every little thing.

DC – Doesn’t say much for the “fans” either that spend $100 apiece just to get drunk and be beligerent in a mob setting. I wouldn’t blame anybody/family for boycotting going to the games until they clean up what goes on.

hey dcollins, I was in the Loge section closer to the LF foul pole for a Giants game Sat. 9/20 when Manny hit 2 HR’s. IS that the game you’re talking about? I saw security break up at least 3 fights, but lucky for my son and I (we were in Loge but way back , like row U) there was nothing close enough to ruin it for him – although “Giants $uck” is not exactly the greatest language either. It’s totally unacceptable what is permitted at DS these days. The shaved head crowd rules the stadium. Even in more expensive seats, the vulgarity is clear as day.

Hey Frank McCourt! It must be nice sitting all protected in the expensive seats behind home plate with your own personal security, huh?

I know that it’s the minority of the fans that act that way but they are ruining it for others.
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If Frank gets serious and they crack down the thugs will go elsewhere.
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#1-Frank needs to have 2 security guards per section. 0 tolerance is 0 tolerance. At the 1st sign of trouble they escort the offender out.
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#2-They document the offenders name and ID # and put them into a computer system that tracks the hooligans. They check their ticket and tag the credit card that purchased that ticket as a yellow warning.
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#3-If this happens again they check the data base and if they have a yellow flag it’s now red and they are kicked out again and trespassed. This credit card # is now not allowed to purchase tickets from the Dodgers or Stub Hub.
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#4-If they somehow get in again (Use a different credit card # or given the ticket) and are checked and they have a red flag & been trespassed then they are arrested on the spot.
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If in #2 they are fighting or assaulting someone by throwing something at someone they go to #4.
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0 Tolerance is 0 tolerance. Frank in the long run will have that family atmosphere he says he wants and more families and fans will come to the games, buy Ethier jersey’s, and food & beverages, thus making him more $$$ and possibly allowing us to sign whoever the “Manny” is in the next 3 years. It will push out the hooligans to go somewhere else to cause their problems.

Scott-Yes it was that game and fortunately we saw his homerun. It was awesome because he hits that one ball foul and then straightens it up and hit’s it fair. I think it was in the 6th or 7th but that was when all the craziness was getting to it’s worst. It was such a good game but we missed most of it. It was just so distracting with all the unpleasantness going on.
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I’m sending a letter to the Dodgers about it. I think they are really missing the ball (Yes… pun intended) if they don’t do something soon. I’m seeing so many reports of this without even looking for it.

Josh is a good guy too DC, my guess is he’ll bring up your letter on here as well to management. Unfortunately yours isn’t the only story like it that’s been told here, so maybe collectively now they’ll carry a little weight.

FANS SHOULDN’T BE AFRAID TO ATTEND A DODGERS GAME IN DODGERS STADIUM…PERIOD! I’m with ya…ZERO TOLERANCE.
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You know what sad that security guard that told DC “It’s just a beach ball”…if that “BEACH BALL” would of hit his face, then that guy would of been taken down right away and plus “Ruining kids fun”….b***crap, I’ve seen kids take the beach ball to the ushers. PEOPLE WANT TO WATCH AND ENJOY THE GAME.
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THE SAD THING IS DOES DRUNK FANS don’t have great Dodgers story to tell…they can’t remember S#!t….sorry excuse my language again.

dcollins ~ I think you are right about your remedy of unruly fans. It never used to be as bad as it is now. We could keep the office busy if we continually called the number they flash on the big screen reporting anybody detremental to the enjoyment of the game………….the phone lines would go crazy!

Re: The stadium hotline. Also they show it before the game starts but I didn’t see it again during the game. Although I may of missed it. I didn’t think at the time I needed it programmed on speed dial. LOL

Hitting Coach – Don Mattingly
Pitching Coach – Greg Maddux
1st Base Coach – Mariano Duncan
3rd Base Coach – Kirk Gibson
Bench Coach (indicitive duties: sits next to manager at all times, listens to his old tired stories about how good he used to be and nods and laughs appropriately, fetches cool drinks and candy bars as needed) – Jessica Alba
Other coaches – whoever you want, General Beavager! Just give me those five for sure.

DC, sorry. Bench Coach is taken. You get to be Chief Garbage Removal Engineer. The CGRE has nothing to do with the trash normally collected and taken to landfills. The Garbage you get to collect is of the human variety. Your budget for salary is $10,000,000. You are encouraged to hire whoever or whatever you deem necessary to return our precious and beautiful Dodger Stadium to a place where you are not only not afraid to bring your family, but PROUD!

Sounds good to me E.
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With my plan in 3 years you could cut that budget by 3/4ths and spend it on the team. The systems would be in place and staffing could be cut back as the hooligans wouldn’t want to come here as it would be to hard to cause trouble.
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Once it is a family place it would be maintaining it. I would bring a “culture” of respect to the place. Where being a hooligan would be unpopular and the crowd would not put up with the ugliness for a second.

E-There will need to be another remodel to increase the width of the dugout for your Barca-Lounger.
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Maybe they can get one hooked to the railing with a lift to raise you and lower you from a standing/sitting position!!!

I think the time to initiate our complete takeover of personnel is during Josh’s ITD Dodger Stadium tour. While we’re at it, why stop at GM? Let’s fly Joe Pierre out here to be the owner and he can add that Ebbetts Field touch to things.

Josh please let them know we need the BLUE jet ready. And make sure the fuel tank is full since we will be making several stops. We need the jet to be stocked up with M&Ms, KitKats and some other items per traveller’s request.
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Signed: Rose Dodgersrules1655
“The Official” – ITD Activities Manager
Ethieraholic – Member since 2008
Martinista – Member since 2008

good afternoon, I have been out of the office all day long. I haven’t caught up on everyone’s posts yet, nor do I have time to debate. I am happy that my Matty and Loney got their props
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but I did want to say….
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BLUECREWGIRL- I hope all is well with you and your community. On the news this morning with all the fires, I was thinking about you and hoping that you and everyone you know and love are safe!!! please let me know when you get the chance to post.

Well I’m in Riverside, I could take the limo, but the Helicopter will be faster.
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Amy hey girl, how are you?
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BlueCrewGirl- I wish you and family and neighbors safety and hope it all turns out OK and no fire hits near your area.

Eric – I think a plane ride out to DS would be an awesome gesture. Don’t think Joe Pierre has ever been there and that would really be a connection from Ebbets to L.A. Great publicity for the Dodgers as well. Nice human interest story… I’m all for it!!
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Josh???

Lunch time. I’ve got a couple of Dodger Dogs I brought home with me from my trip that are ready to be pounded!
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I had hoped to be eating them and watching the Boys In Blue playing in the WS but oh well.
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Go Blue (& Tampa)!!!!

Wow. Dcollins, to say that I’m sorry what you and Wifey had to endure, is not the word to describe what the two of you went thru. It just makes me sick that fans, no thugs like those are ruining it for everyone else. I mentioned this once before (probably, talking about something else) but it fits here: common sense isn’t so common anymore. And that’s unfortunate, to put it mildly.

So EnchantedGM/EricManager – am I still Head Bat Girl??? Or does that fall under Nelly’s Team Mom title? If it does, well then, I have to think about what title I want. I used to play piano a long time ago, but I wouldn’t dream of taking Nancy Bea’s job!

As the team’s Aesthetics Coordinator, I will secretly substitute no-alcohol beer for the real stuff. Think of it! The rowdies will buy more and more and more “suds” trying to catch a buzzzzzzzzzzz, while Frank will be loading up on cash–and the drunkards will have to face life stone cold sober!!! As for those who want a real beer, well…..I can’t solve everything in my first year. Besides, beer’s over-priced. Get a semi-over-priced Coke instead.

Hey from Tampa, Josh, good finally meeting you in the playoffs. If you don’t mind, I’d like to invite your audience who are under the age of 30 to be part of the official World Series hangout for that age group. Rays vs. Phils is the “u30ws” and this blog is:

See Nelly – That’s the Dodgers’ problem; there is no constant female presence in that clubhouse!!! Now, we don’t have to be there after a game, but we can meet them in the clubhouse, ready with orange slices and juice!!! And during the game, since I’m Head Bat Girl, I can tell the powers-that-be to GET RID OF THE MAPLE BATS before someone loses an argument with the jagged and pointy end of a shattered bat!

MLBmark- it’s nice to invite us to your blog. You must take notice to out wonderful, fabulous ITD!!!!
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but our boys got kicked out by Phillis and their fans were sooo not nice to us and that is probably how it’s gonna be on that chat board. Under 30, that’s me, interesting demographic. not sure how I feel about that. Go Rays, beat those Phil’s!!!!
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And TruBlue, you are absolutely right; we certainly don’t want to hire Prince Fielder’s nutritionist! Now mlbmark – that is very cool and classy of you! Too bad I’m not 30 or younger. Hey, does it count that my son is???

Yeah, I see why Fielder is #1 in MLB and Howard isn’t in the top 25. And Howard is only the first guy who popped into my mind. Either James’ list is for guys under 27 instead of 30, or he’s full of ……… aw, you know.

Dcollins – I’m not sure if you’re still here, but you were mentioning David Wright earlier. I was going to comment about it, but I just forgot! Got all caught up in my new job!

But of Wright is available, he would be a great fit here. But, again, with Nedco at the helm of making trades, I’m afraid of what he’d give away. EnchantedGM – You can step in here anytime you like! But I would love to have David Wright here!

scott – I think Josh is always thinking that. This in conjunction with some of the late night stuff, has got to be driving him absolutely crazy, but at the same time, he’s got to love it too. We should definitely have an A+ for creativity.

Hi everyone. I’m just stopping by to say hi before diving into the paper I have to write. It’s great to see ITD this alive druing the offseason. A lot more productive way of going into the next season than the barage of insults some Cubs fans threw Mark DeRosa’s way.

DCollins, I’m sorry you had that experience at the stadium. I went to a LA-SF game on July 30th, in the 1B infield reserve side, and it was just dead. Great game, but dead crowd. I even sat down the row from a Giants fan, and not one person even jeered the guy. I wondered where the excitment had gone, but now I guess it was good the game was calm But the worst thing is being in Security, and going to an event where you know that their security response is lacking.

I worked as a blue coat for Bill Graham Presents for a few years, and since leaving the company, I”m shocked at the way some events’ security staff does nothing to help unless there’s a severe situation. When I worked for the Blue Coats, it seemed it was most important to stop a bad situation before it happened, i.e. escorting drunk unruly brawlers out of the place, stopping people from ruining other audience member’s experience, etc.

Hearing your experience, where the security took forever to resolve the situation, only to say “they’re being good”, “it’s only a beach ball” and “just ignore the situation” is shameful, ESPECIALLY on the field level, where the average fan has to tighten their belt a bit to afford these days. I’ll tell you one thing, if the BGP Blue Coats heard a section where there were a bunch of unruly drunks throwing stuff and threatening fights with random audience members, there would be the aisle staff member, the two ushers, and two roving blue coats to dissect the situation, and if the trouble persisted, the Rovers would call for more help.

And that wasn’t for Family-Oriented American-Pie-in-the-Sky Major League Baseball sporting events. That was for Rock Concerts, Punk Concerts, Metal Concerts, Country Concerts, Rap Concerts, everything. Don’t get me wrong, we were told not to put ourselves in danger, but we were to make sure the audience was never in danger as well.

Now, I enjoy a few brews while I watch a ballgame, but not at Dodger Stadium, where I only have one, if any. For me, the price for a beer is its own deterent.

Rose- me too. We need DY on this team. He is always supportive, even when he’s not playing!!
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I have a feeling that Andre will not be blogging for a while. But I do hope he comes back for all of the next season. I hope our outfield situation gets resolved in a positive way. We need or core players!!!
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Yeah I have the same feeling. Right now I think he is still thinking about the game and I’m sure the blog reminds him of it. Maybe after the World Series, near the time of the Under the Lights at Dodger Stadium he will be motivated to go out and eat and start blogging again. I miss him! I miss my Martin & my Ethier….1655.

NSB-You mentioned the security and that they sort of dropped the ball (My words, not yours).
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That was my complaint that I told the security official when I was asking for an escort to our car. He was the one that was 1st on the scene.
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In fairness to him he said that they knew that these guys had to go after his 1st visit but they were so short handed due to all the problems they were having that he was waiting for back up as there were only 2 of them.
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So my response is that they should of stayed there for couple of minutes until their back up arrived. And why were they short handed? If this is a trend or pattern which it seems to be, they need to have enough people to do the job. And why didn’t the ushers call them sooner in say the 3rd & 4th innings after watching the goings on for 2 or 3 innings from the start of the game.
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So my main complaint is that Frank HAS to do something about what is taking place there. It’s like with kid’s. If they are strict in the beginning with not putting up with stupidity, then it will develop a pattern and people will learn the mores of the society (Wow is guess a little college did sink in if I got that correct).
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If they don’t lay ground rules and strictly stick with them well you will have temper tandrums!

Josh–If you are reading this feel free to pass it on to those that need to see it, if you think it will help the Dodgers.
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Also I appreciate your dedication to this blog. I’m sorry and not trying to be a bummer and that is why I didn’t say anything until now. I’m usually a positive person (Unless having to defend Everyday Dre from the Philly poor sports). I’ve enjoyed everyone on here and your input on the behind the scenes things that us fans don’t get to see.
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You are a PR guy so maybe with your efforts something can be done in this area. It really needs some serious attention.

dcollins ~ you are far from being a bummer……….what you have said, needed saying! I think enough people today have expressed the same view as yours and, if Josh reads this, perhaps the message will be passed on to Frank McCourt.

i’m on my way out for dinner. I just want to say…Boo Phiili and Boo to Cole Hamels. Let’s NOT give him another postseason W.
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have a good night everyone. Baseball is on..but it’s not on in my heart.
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Come on Rays. Win for all the Dodger Fans!!!!!

Last night I googled Famous baseball quotes. I happen to stumble upon transcripts of Vin Scully calling Sandy Koufax’s perfect game,this happen 2 months before I was born. It’s been a coulple of years since I’ve heard the poetry of Vin Scully baseball but I could still picture his voice. It was kind of like comfort food have to have it!
We are all very blessed. I recommend this to everyone not only was it a great game from Sandy Koufax it was a poetic jester form the greatest annoncer in all of the world.
Nothing last forever except memories.
McArver shut up and listen for once
GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I went to my local pub tonight, and someone bought me a Cherry bomb. I believe we should come up with a connoction (maybe blue agave and red bull) and call it an Ethierbomb we can toast the ball leaving the park.
Any thought’s

Good evening, ITD, after a significant absence. I’m sorry to hear about DCollins’ terrible experience at the Stadium. Here’s to hoping his letter gets seen by the appropriate people and the problem gets fixed. Has he thought of writing to the LA Times about it?…..I think that any one of several players could be ranked above Prince Fielder on Bill James’ list (Ramirez and LIncecum, for example) If Bill James compiles the same list a year from now, Dewitt will crack it as will Bills. I would let anybody that wants to overpay K-Rod. He’s had as lot of close shaves on a lot of his saves. As I’ve said before, closers are made not born…. IMO, the baseball season is never over until the WS is over. Go Rays!!! The Ray’s success should give hope to the Royals and Pirates.

manfromchina – I certainly didn’t think 2nd place, but there is a lot of football left, and I am sure the Chargers and Redskins’ bye weeks will hurt me pretty good. That is definitely something I will have to think about next season. Somebody wanted me to trade Chambers and Johnson, but not a chance. The only reason I benched Chambers is because he was probable for last week. He as done pretty good for me until he got hurt. I didn’t think the Redskins were going to be doing as well as they have, and the fact that Dallas lost to the Rams too gives us hope for the division.

I’m not all that surprised about the redskins. maybe my expectations were to high…..though it doesn’t look like it now. i really felt they were gonna be solid even though everyone and i mean everyone thought they were gonna be the bottom of the division. Campbell hasn’t been spectacular, but is doing a great job at managing. obviously they should have beat the rams, but i also thought they should have beat the giants week 1. they completely shut down manning in the 2nd half but made some not so smart play calls which i think cost them that game. so really they could be undefeated, but they are still in a good position nonetheless.

I think they are in good shape too if they stay strong and healthy. I, too, am very impressed with Campbell. I enjoyed watching him last year until he got hurt. You are definitely right about that Giants game, and I think Dallas is going to fall apart with all the drama, and now Romo being out. I mean they already have.

Manning sure has been beatable this year. The Packers just manhandled him Sunday. That game wasn’t even as close as 34-14…. We’ve got quite a good Game 1 going on. The Phillies may end up paying for their lack of clutch hitting.

nelly– TO was just one more reason to dislike the Cowboys. I never liked all that “America’s Team” BS. Disliking the Cowboys is just like disliking the Yankees, IMO…..even with all his power, Howard is still respected less than Utley….last chance for the Rays.

I’ve heard it said that Manny is looking for a 5 to 6-yr deal. I wouldn’t give him any more than 3.I’d be real surprised if anyone gives him the longer deal because of his age and the way he left the Sox. I think some GM’s are still a little nervous regarding “Manny Being Manny”

seesky – I didn’t mind the Cowboys in the Troy Aikman days, and being from Nor-Cal, I had more to dislike in the 49ers and the Raiders because I did like the Rams and Chargers as well. However, since TO, I can honestly say that they have become the Giants (SF) of my football world.

Re: Pierre, Gurlnick’s probably right. In order to get rid of Pierre, we’re going to have to pay some significant coin or take some other team’s salary dump in order to get rid of him. Whatever the scenario, let’s, at least, get somebody we can use. We’ve got enough deadweight on this team as it is.

Wow! just finished cleaning up my emails and reading all the post from the last thread! Is after midnight here in Nashua, NH. I am getting up at 5:30 am., checking out of the hotel, going to work and afterwards head to Boston where I’ll stay close to the airport and leave early Friday morning.
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i found this email that a friend sent back in Januay and I barely found it today! The email included a cute pic of a young, handsome Paul Newman. Is not Dodger related but he did have beautiful blue eyes!

Only women of a certain era will fully appreciate this…. true story. (If you don’t understand this, tell your mother, she’ll get it.)
A Michigan woman and her family were vacationing in a small New England town where Paul Newman and his family often visited.
One Sunday morning, the woman got up early to take a long walk. After a brisk five-mile hike, she decided to treat herself to a double-dip chocolate ice cream cone.
She hopped in the car, drove to the center of the village and went straight to the combination bakery/ice cream parlor.
There was only one other patron in the store. Paul Newman, sitting at the counter having a doughnut and coffee.
The woman’s heart skipped a beat as her eyes made contact with those famous baby-blue eyes. The actor nodded graciously and the star struck woman smiled demurely.
“Pull yourself together!” she chided herself. “You’re a happily married woman with three children. You’re forty-five years old — not a teenager!”
The clerk filled her order and she took the double-dip chocolate ice cream cone in one hand and her change in the other. Then she went out the door, avoiding even a glance in Paul Newman’s direction.
When she reached her car, she realized that she had a handful of change but her other hand was empty.
“Where’s my ice cream cone? Did I leave it in the store?” Back into the shop she went, expecting to see the cone still in the clerk’s hand or in a holder on the counter or something. But no ice cream cone was in sight.
With that, she happened to look over at Paul Newman. His face broke into his familiar warm friendly grin and he said to the woman, “You put it in your purse.”

nsblues – pretty good for the most part. We have parent-teacher conferences this week and a few days next. Good thing is minimum days, bad thing is parent conferences. However, so far so good. One of my dad’s just got back from fighting the fires in Los Angeles.

***IF EMMA -wants the job, she can be the OFFICIAL ITD ON-SITE EVENT REPORTER…since she is at all the DODGER EVENTS! By dodgersrule1655*****
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Ooooohh I’d like that job that Dodgersrule!

DC,
Sorry to hear about your bad experience, but as a season ticket holder that is there for every game (only missed two this year), I can tell you that those are isolated problems. Saturday nights though it seems like a few bad apples pop up at the stadium. Our Top deck is pretty nice though and the times I’ve sat in the field level where the company that I work for have season tickets close to the Visitior’s dugout and loge where I sometimes sit there have been without incidents. I know a friend that have season tickets with her teenage daughter in the first row, last aisle against the Dodger bullpen. I met them when I used to have a mini package with a girlfriend there a few years back. We never felt threaten close to there. now for the last few years, my brother and I have had season tickets in the Top Deck. sometimes he does not go the games but that does not stop me from going to the games. The security people there take good care of us.

“When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home. I was wishing I looked like Paul Newman – he looks tough and I don’t – but I guess my own looks aren’t so bad.”

I think Manny will sign for a contract like that – $54mil for 2 years – only when he gets nothing else from other teams. And then, in Jan/Feb. I certainly don’t see him doing anything really soon. What’s the hurry? But, as I said before, if anyone will do something unpredictable, it would be Manny.

I wish him all the success in the world.
My oldest cousin Tim was the first base coach at Fresno for years. What a life never had a job out of baseball.
He’s still going strong , although at Bakersfield C.C.

Thanks, and that’s pretty cool about your cousin. Some of the best ball players have come out of Community Colleges. Brian Fuentes is from Merced College, and you just never know when those colleges are going to have the next mlb star.

Good morning gang. Good game last night. I may be the only ITD’er rooting for the Phillies. LOL!!! Got some friends out there and I would rather have lost to the World Champs than the runner ups. I see where the Dodgers are willing to match the price per year for Manny but only for 3 or 4 years. Not the 5 or 6 that he wants. If some team offers 5 or more years he is gone. If not, we’ve got a good shot of keeping him. I wouldn’t go over 4 years either. Also got to go after some pitching. I’d sign Maddux to be the 5th starter. Let Lowe and Penny walk and go after a true ace. Have a great day everyone.

Good morning DodgerericManager & Jhall ~ Hope you guys have a great day…………don’t work too hard. At least the Dodgers have offered Manny lots of money……..maybe that means they are willing to spend instead of cutting corners.

I’m not even sure I’d go 4 for Manny. Two for sure, three maybe. That’s what will drive him to the Yanks or Mets if they offer it. If they don’t, I agree, we have a good shot at keeping him. It would be unlike Borass to sign for less than offered elsewhere. If it happens, it’s because Manny is calling the shots. That would be unusual, but Manny is nothing if he’s not unusual.

Regarding rooting for the Phils, I won’t hold it against you. LOL!!! Normally I’d agree with you, as I like to think that it took the eventual champ to beat me. This year is an exception for me due to the Rags-to-Riches Rays. Also, there’s a part of me that wants the Phidiots who went onto Andre’s site to suffer some more. 🙂

Good Morning, jhall/Wally/Trainer ~ Okay jhall, if you must root for the Phillies, I won’t hold it against you ethier. You can rest assured that 9 out of the 20 kids in my class also chose the Phillies to win. Would it count to say that I like their football team. I am probably with most in saying that in some way I wouldn’t care who won, but I guess I am holding a grudge against how they treated Andre.

Good Morning Dodgereric/Ward Dear/Manager – I hope you are well rested for your day of answering more questions about how you will manager our beloved Dodger team.

Good Morning, Trublue!!!

Dodger4life – Thanks for the sign-off last night. I guess you made it past all of us last night.

WE LOVE OUR DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!
365 DAYS A YEAR
24 HOURS A DAY
7 DAYS A WEEK
EVERYDAY – DODGER BLUE IS THE WAY!!!!

Hello all I have not posted as frequently as I would have liked but Josh thanks for the great blog and to all the ITD faithful you have help to make it a great year. Since July I have had a stressful time getting laid off after 6 years and moving the family to Texas from Md, so I did not post as much as I wanted, but reading the ITD blog and watching the TEAM DEVELOP was remarkable. Thanks to all of you Dodgers fans.

As for Bill James not mentioning Bills, I do not see how he could nto be ranked above Danks and maybe Lester. Although James is affiliated with the Red Sox I do believe. As for Dewitt, someone said he was overrated. I do not agree, for a kid that was in minor league camp to be thrown in to the lineup like he did, he performed remarkably well. He struggled at timesbut if you watch him he has a great swing and approach to the game and I feel will be a .280-.300 hitter 15-18 hrs and a great fielder. Lets remember he was suppose to be AA orAAA this past year. +

DCollins your story is awful and you should have hit the usher upside the head with the beach ball and see how they liked it…I thought this only happened in Philly and was very sad to hear it in Dodger Stadium.

Oh, and Wally! Do you think Maddux has anything left? I’m not so sure. It seemed to me that it was BP out there more often than not. I’m really hoping for CC, but there’s probably less than 1 chance in 5 of us landing him. I think it’s going to be somewhat similar to Manny in that he’s going to have to want to be here more than get the absolute top dollar, and that’s not much to hang your hat on. And I truly hope we don’t go after Sheets. Our DL is large enough as it is.

Good morning TruLumpy! I love Furcal and want him leading us into ’09 more than anything. I’m just really concerned because backs and groins are the two most re-injured parts there are. It’s hard to strengthen a weak back and short is a position that puts it to the test constantly. A real plus is that he seems to really want to be here. We’ll see. I like the idea of the incentive-laden contract. I hope he accepts one.

And finally, good morning to you June Darlin’! I didn’t mean to wander away last night, but I was really into my football Commish duties. I was re-working my Excel sheets to be more user-friendly. By the time I was done, your nice conversation with Dodger4 was long done and I figured you’d turned in. Rested? Yes. Well-rested? Probably not, but I seldom am. (Ooh, that looks like a red-pen sentence!) I hope the little tykes are stepping in line for you more these days than they were at the start of the school year! One more thing – I stopped by my tropical fish store to get salt water for my next water change on my way home last night. The owner is a big NASCAR fan and we usually end up talking a lot more racing than fish. I hadn’t been in the store more than a minute when he came up to me with a hand behind his back. He said, “Close your eyes and open your hand!” Now, I’m a trusting sort of person – sometimes to my detriment – but I’m thinking that he’s going to drop a dead fish in my hand and tell me it’s free. But, like the chump I am, I go along with it. He dropped 4 used lugnuts into my hand. A pal of his works in the pits when the circuit comes our way. He worked in Kyle Busch’s pit when they were here for the Labor Day race in Fontana. You want one?

bluecrewGIRL! Apparently you live near the fires in Fontana/Rancho Cuc. Are you OK? Drop us a line!

Morning eric, tru, dnel, rams….beautiful day.
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It’s supposed to be 100 degrees today or so. Super hot, it means running the air in my house. But i work inside and have to wear pants and bring a jacket everyday cause it’s soo cold inside.
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I’m glad Ned made an offer. It was the first story on the news this morning when I woke up. It’s a smart deal. We all know we don’t want him starting for us in the OF when he is 41. That won’t work too well. I hope that the situation ends happy for everyone!!
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Go dodgers!!!! Beat those Phillies. haha, sounds like something I’d say last week, But it still holds true today!!

As for the last thread about being the GM, I know I am late and did not read thru all the posts so If I am redundant please forgive.

1. First of all resign Manny, They have already stolen my thunder, 3yrs 75 mil..do not want Manny in the outfield at 41 years old. Whatever it takes…

2. Resign Furcal to 1-2 yr deal with vesting options based on games played for possible longer deal. Dejesus I would give 1-2 more years in the minors.

3. Penny buyout (I would have done this earlier) bad attitude and selfish and I can see this on TV.

4. Sign Sabathia if possible (alot of money off the books this year with Lowe, Kent, Nomar gone and next year with Schmidt and Andruw gone. If you cannot sign him Dempster at 3/4 years…overpay for the shorter term..We need someone to lead the young kids. Look into Pettite for 1-2 years. Promote Mcdonald to 5th starter.

5. Resign Beimal…Chan Ho was a great story but I would not overpay he was starting to slide late in the year..If Beimel is too expensive… make Elbert the 2nd lefty with Kuo…Hershiser, Fernando, Welch all came up in the pen and then went to starting.

6. Trade Pierre (eat the salary). Same with Andruw, he will not make it back with the Dodgers, he was so lost I do not think he will be productive. Frank you either eat the 18 mil now or you will suffer with it for 3-400 ABS next year….

7. If we can get Peavy (he kills us, do it) Trade Mcdonald, and 2 or more other prospects…as long Kemp, Loney, Ethier, Kershaw stay. This will negate 4…I would rather sign Sabathia because we lose draft picks but not real time prospects. Plus we should recieve compensation for Lowe.

8. Dewitt, I would keep at 2nd, and try to trade for Beltre. I know supposedly he has a no trade or said he did not want to go back to the Dodgers, but I think he wants to win. If no trade move Dewitt to 3B and try Dejesus at 2b if we resign Furcal. If Furcal cannot be resigned…look into a possible trade for a Brian Roberts. I know we cannot make all these trades but my priority would be…

1. Peavy, if Sabathia cannot be signed.
2. Roberts, if Furcal is not resigned..he is a great leadoff hitter with a little pop.
3. Beltre if 1 and 2 do not materialize.

9. We need a bench…look into Jason Michaels/Willie Bloomquist…Willie is very versitile can play OF and
2b/ss.of…we have DY and Repko…Ozuna looked useful…

Well that is my first take and we will see how things play out , if Manny is not signed I do not even want to think what the team may look like with either Pierre or Jones in the lineup…My only hope it the continued maturation of Ethier, Loney, Martin, Kemp and Dewitt….

JHall I respect that you are rooting for the Phillies but I cannot. In the Dodgers series my cousins from Philly were texting me and rubbing it in…Go Rays….Also they have the most obnoxious fans in baseball. If you ever want to fear for your life wear an opposing teams colors into Philly they are the worst….I hate them!!!!

As Aesthetics Coordinator I have decided to step up the campaign to resign Manny…remember, I’ve already promised every 2009 roster member will be required to wear dreadlocks, even balding Torre–and NOT fake ones like they sell at the stadium–if we succeed!

First off we need to remind Manny that the American League is not what he wants right now…they’ll DH him and that’ll question his manliness. Cubs and Phils and Gnats want to make a play but Manny knows those are loser franchises (Phils will lose to Rays to support my campaign…) Torre has two years left on his contract. Dodgers offer Manny a matching two years at a ******** $30 million/year. As the Aesthetics Coordinator I will convince Boras that the economy is down right now and in two years it’ll look much rosier. In two years he can take Manny shopping to the American League and still get a four-year deal for more money than the economy will bear today.

Using higher math:
Dodgers: 2 years @ $30 million/year = $60 million ($6 million for Boras)
AL Team: 4 years @ $22 million/year = $88 million ($8.8 million for Boras)

As opposed to a one contract now:
6 years @ $23 million/year = $138 million ($13.8 million for Boras)

Ned/Logan can even throw in MetroRail passes and a couple tickets to Kings games in decent seats…………….

umm.. yeah.. could you all stop posting so much because it really makes catching up difficult 😛
haha, i’m kidding

i see everyone’s been staying creative during the off-season..

a couple thoughts..
anyone who says trading russell is a good idea is a little crazy. even moving him to third is a bad idea. i realize that he had a very poor defensive year, but this is a kid that is one year removed from being gold glove, silver slugger, and all-star. no one said to trade russell last off-season, clearly, so why would you do so now? people are giving up on 25 year olds? you can’t get rid of a catcher of that caliber because there is no one to get out there that gives you the same production at that position.

i’m not sure i want to be in this “calendar” but if i was to be, november would be my month..

for those people who said “give manny whatever he wants” you’re speaking as a fan and NOT a GM. there is NO ONE in all of sports that deserves whatever they want. there is always a limit.

here’s a notable quote:
“I want to see who is the highest bidder. Gas is up and so am I.”

he has no loyalties. he will not stay because we’re not crazy enough to offer him 4/5/6 years or whatever he wants.. if he doesn’t want the 2 years – $56 mil that the dodgers offered or will offer, i say good riddance..

sara- I was going to suggest November for you…but I didn’t want to sign you up without you knowing about it! No worries..nothing’s going to happen.. it’s a funny thought 🙂
Great post. classic Sara. Ned’s already talking money with Manny. At least he IS being smart and going for the 2 year deal. I know you don’t like him (for all the right reasons) but i know that you can’t deny that his spirit positively affected Russy and Matty and the others. So maybe if he wants two years, he will make it a good two years. Heck, I’ll take 27 mill a year 🙂

dnelly, thanks. i saw that you were trying to find my first post for a while.. it’s weird that you didn’t see it because i remember all those old conversations you kept posting.. but then again i did read for a really long time before getting enough courage to post.. so i really have no idea when i chimed in for the first time..

i LOVED all those baseball quotes you guys came up with.. i love good quotes.. i know this one is long and you wouldn’t use it to decorate that wall.. but it’s one of my favorites, so i wanted to share it:

“You get out there, and the stands are full and everybody’s cheerin’. It’s like everybody in the world come to see you. And inside of that there’s the players, they’re yakkin’ it up. The pitcher throws and you look for that pill… suddenly there’s nothing else in the ballpark but you and it. Sometimes, when you feel right, there’s a groove there, and the bat just eases into it and meets that ball. When the bat meets that ball and you feel that ball just give, you know it’s going to go a long way. Damn, if you don’t feel like you’re going to live forever.”

it’s from eight men out.. john cusack said it as bucky weaver.. i love the last two lines..

Ward Dear……. no worries about last night. I knew it was Commish related. I have your routine down pretty well. Scouts on Tuesday and hockey on Thursday. I was working on a project myself, but nothing that required a spread sheet, and it made it easy to go back and forth. I was studying up on my baseball lingo 🙂

As for my class, we have our good days and bad days. It’s mostly just incessant talking that was a problem for their kinder teachers as well. It just seems like I have a few from each kinder class, and now I have a whole class of them. Like I said, if this is the only problem I have, then it’s manageable. They are all very kind, and obviously they get along really well in order to have so much to talk about. Thanks for asking, and you still are a very hot topic among them.

As for the lugnuts from Kyle Bush’s race car – Are you serious!?! OMG!!! YES, I WOULD!!!!!! That is another great story to add to your collection by the way. Thank you ~ you are much to kind sometimes.

HELLO ALL ITD: Amy, Sara, Enchanted the Big “GM”, Manager Eric & Dnel
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Sara that movie reminds me of my Freshman year of high school. In the beginning of the school year we did nothing regarding English but we watched “Field of Dreams” and “Eight Man Out”. My teacher must love Baseball.
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I hope Manny is happy and takes the 27 Million. My cousin called my husband to tell him about the Big “Chisme (gossip) about Manny so my husband calls me (yes men do Gossip), well he calls me to see if it was true (since he knows I’m in here all the time). I was getting starbucks so I soon as I got in, turned the computer on and checked it out. Hopefully Manny stays in L.A.

sara – I will continue my search for your first post this weekend. I figure it will be a weekend thing. It is pretty fun reading all the old stuff – pretty much the same discussion, but it’s fun reading how everyone connected at some point.

i think you can remove the question marks after furcal, because i’m almost positive he’ll be back. you’re right about the youth being our only bargaining chips.. but i feel that sticking with the youth means to keep the biggest names, not all the names..

hello rose. I hope he takes it too. Or at least it’s a start for everyone to get to a happy place :.
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ok sara- we will take a short contract. I want you to be happy too 🙂
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eric- I sooo know you are going to go and buy one of those books asap! 🙂 haha.
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go dodgers!!

thanks dnelly! i feel like it was right around the same time as you.. but maybe not, since you haven’t found it.. maybe i just remember reading you when you started but didn’t post for a while.. it’s always fun reading old stuff.. i wonder if anyone has been thinking.. I SAID THAT?? haha 🙂

Hi sara! Eight Men Out, one of the best baseball movies ever. Listening to Eddie Cicotte complain to Comiskey about being cheated out of his bonus for winning 30 games is pretty much how they were all treated in those days. Ty Cobb complained bitterly in his autobiography of how cheap Frank Navin was (the owner of the Tigers). They had the advantage on the players and they used it all the time.

General Beav, you give me the best you can get and I’ll take ’em all the way or – die tryin’!!!

Junie, let me figure out some sort of unique packaging idea and it’ll be on its way. A couple of them still have a little glue on them!

Sara, I’m so with you on Martin…he is not tradeable, he is a Dodgers for life, next to Ethier.
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DNEL IS SUPER WOMAN – she is the ITD TEAM MOM + she will make a wonderful ITD Historian…She can tell you anything on anyone here. Who said what & when and she is great at doing the Research. She also qualifies as the ITD HR…she gave me my first tour here when I first blogged here and introduced me to everyone.

If no Manny, then with Grady you would have an outfield of Ethier, Sizemore, and Kemp – that would be a fantastic, power hitting outfield as well. Grady’s fast too, he can lead off, if Furcal is not resigned.

EnchantedGM ~ On second thought, I have to side with Scott on David Wright. He does tend to struggle with the bat when he’s needed the most. By the way, with all the money you are spending, I’m going to be lopsided for quite some time!!

Well, I think we need to add a shuttle service similar to the one bringing fans from Union Station to the stadium. Except this shuttle service is a one way ticket to the county jail for thugs and hooligans ruining the baseball park experience for decent fans.

Good afternoon ITD’ers. I hope everybody is having a splendid day!
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Eric-what kind of salt water tank do you run?
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Enchanted-Nice stirring up. I like going after David Wright. I think we could get him from the Met’s from the rumors that have been out there. I wouldn’t give up both pitchers though.
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I don’t think Boston would do that trade for Russ. Which would mean we wouldn’t need a catcher. So no to IROD & Varitek. I liked them but I think they are going to the PVL side of things.
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I like the Brian Roberts idea mentioned earlier by ramslover & someone else (I can’t remember who :(). Trade for him and move DeMitt to 3rd. Or trade for Wright & keep DeMitt at 2nd.
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Ramslover-Great Name! Go rams!! Too bad there hasn’t been much to cheer about with them. Also hang in there with the job/move thing. I’ve had that happen before where I’ve lost a job & had changes in my life at the same time. They seem to always work out. At the time they really stink but then it seems they’ve happened for good in the long run.
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Case in point when I lost a job a number of years ago I got my job that I’m currently at and that is where I met my Wife (Still a good thing :)!! Tie a knot in the end of that rope and hang in there!!!
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Go Blueeeeeee!

IMO Elbert’s no shoo-in with his history, though he could be a gem. McDonald’s a definite loss, but you have to give to get. Wright’s a definite upgrade over DeWitt. And poor DY is a non-entity with the D’s in that he hasn’t too much value on the trade market because nobody knows what he can do thanks to Joe anchoring his butt to the pine. I might be persuaded to keep DY if the others are enough for Wright.

Still looking for a suitor for Pierre, but I can’t find any. Decided to totally cut Jones and eat the contract. May have enough cash left for a middling FA OFer.

Oh, I don’t know. I like Wright a lot. Check the numbers. With 2 out and RISP he’s underweight, but everything else is solid as can be. His career stats also show he’s better as the season progresses. I just don’t think I’d give up both McDonald and Elbert with Maddux as the 5th starter. I’d keep McDonald and give them someone else. I don’t think we’ve got anyone else who’s close to making the bigs as a starter.

I’m also glad to hear that you’re not done yet, General Beav. I don’t like the idea of going to ST with either Jones or Pierre as a starting OF.

Plus, I don’t know if the Sox would trade Pedroia for Russ straight up. Are you crazy? They’ll never go for it. Then again, they might! Little red devils! Give us a hand with this, will you Heddy? Friggin’ thing is WARPED! WHY DO I ALWAYS GET A WARPED ONE??

Think to get Wright you not only have to replace him with DeWitt, but the Mets need pitching. Hence you’d have to give up probably two of these three: Elbert, McDonald, and Wade. Troncoso and Stults wouldn’t even rate.

Boston needs a catcher, and as someone pointed out about Marty, trade him as a catcher while he’s on top. Catchers are a premium, so I figure a 24 year old 2-time allstar is worth a top 2B and a decent relief pitcher. If I’d have to throw in Hu or DY, I probably would.

With I-Rod or Varitek, I’m just biding time until Lucas May is ready for the show. One of these two would still hit no worse than Yeager did, and would handle a pitching staff well. I figure in two years, maybe 1 1/2, May will be ready to take over.

Maddux I sign as player-coach. Still have Stults and have a few other average FAs available for #5.

I think McDonald would be a given, so it’d have to be between Wade and Elbert. Elbert may have some potential (and yes he’s LH), but to me Wade is too hugely valuable already as a set-up man. We’d have to give them DeWitt or that’d would leave them with a hole at third and why make the deal? DY’s iffy. If it closes the deal, then yes. If we could get by with a couple of prospects that’d be fine, but we really don’t have any besides May, DeJesus, Hu (they already have Reyes at short), and Lambo (who right now to me is untouchable until we see him in AA and AAA.)

I would hate to give up 2 starters in their early 20’s. Kuroda is no youngster. Kuroda is going to be 34 before next season starts. If he falters, then we need 2 pitchers and an outfielder (see Jones/Pierre).

Scott I am a LA Rams fan since the early 70s….I still cannot say St Louis.

DCollins thanks for the thought and encouraging words…I really was disgusted by your story today and emailed the Dodgers and pasted your post. The fact that the usher said to you it was only a beachball is ludicrous…you should have hit him in the head with it…

As for Wright they are not going to give up a 24 yr old 35 hr 30 SB for 2 Minor league pitchers, they would want an everyday ML player back…He is a stud…I still think Beltre is the answer…He is the best defensively at 3B and will not costs a kings ransom…

I would not trade Martin and do not think the Red Sox will trade Pedroia…Martin is our heart and soul. Out of the young guns he is the leader…Now I hope Martin rethinks his approach at the plate… His swing got too long this year and with 2 strikes he was swinging too hard.

Just playing devils advocate…I love this time of year…how many days till ST…115 or so?

I don’t think trading Russ would be a good idea, regardless of who we got. I think he’s a better all-around catcher than Piazza. He doesn’t have as much bat as Piazza did, but he is awesome on defense, and he’s not afraid to get dirty (he didn’t need to drill with Scioscia for a year to become become better on defense, though that would’ve been a nice thing for Russ to have).

The reason for Russ’s slump: He plays too much. Really, the guy plays way too much, and he was tired at the end of the regular season, let alone through the NLCS. He’s still young, and this year went a long way towards building his stamina. But the Dodger Way isn’t just some path that will one day be the entrance to Dodger Stadium, it’s a philosophy, “Better to get rid of them a year early than a year late. But I can’t imagine a guy in his mid 20’s being considered a year early.

The same criticism of declining performance could be said of Bills, who tired out towards the end of the season because this is the most he’s pitched. Might I warn anyone thinking Billingsley’s career is going to tank because he can’t handle 1 out of 30-some-odd teams is in line for a rude awakening come next season. Well… maybe not the Phillies, but hey, when Sandy “temperance and pacifism” Koufax isn’t watching in the stands in the biggest game of not just your life, but most of your team and fan’s lives as well, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him drill that Cryin’ Hawaiian in the earhole [okay, maybe just the ribs] next chance he gets. But I could see his hesitation. Dude could kill somebody.

I know Scott, they were the good ole days…the Youngbloods, Isiah Robertson, Cromwell, and on and on….But I cannot root for anyone else…I am a Rams, Dodgers, and Lakers fan all the way…and my 4 year is too!!!

Guys leave Martin alone, it was his 2nd full season and he still hit .280…He is a all star for many years to come at the hardest position in the game…Yes he slumped and he really did not find his stride at all this year, it was a struggle from day one, but with his work ethic he will adjust and come back strong…

Do not under estimate his importance in the clubhouse and behind the plate…He is vital to the continued development of the young guns…

Its not that I don’t like Martin, but he uses the wrong make-up. I will have no Mary Kay in the clubhouse!!
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Also not thrilled about his lackluster defense last year. Too many bad throws for errors of commission and omission for a C, and not a high enough pct. of throwing out runners (23 of 93) – and pct. that was only enhanced by the last couple weeks in Sept. when he threw out a few call-ups.
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So many holes to fill when Ned left and still stay competative…

in all seriousness, clearly we need to re-sign raffy, because he’s the best option, if healthy. and i definitely think we need to go after orlando hudson. because him at second and dewitt at third, is much better than dewitt at second and no one at third.. haha

oh and about russell throwing out runners.. he just needs to work on his mechanics a bit.. it’s got the arm, just not always the accuracy.. and let’s not forget that he nailed the runners when it mattered most.. i’m pretty sure he nailed almost everyone that tried to run on him during the postseason..

enchanted-I hear that Mac makes a pretty good line of makeup. This is per Wifey of course!!! Maybe we could get him into some of that!
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Actually that would be pretty funny if he showed up at spring training with his face done up and asked the Dodgers brass if they liked “thins” more???

dc/enchantedGM – If Blake goes back to 3rd, Mark Ellis might make a very good PVL, and then I like Orlando Hudson myself, and Jamey Carroll not a bad idea ethier, but I’m not sure with Carroll what the money issue on the side means. I do well with statistics, not money.

i really think we’re blowing one stray quote out of proportion.. i doubt that anyone that actually matters in the dodgers executive offices could really think that about russell.. it just doesn’t add up

I had heard that story sara. I really like Nomar. I know he is a little glass like but he really seems like a good man.
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Never any complaints and does go all out. I was at Spring Training last year when he was hit in the wrist. 2 days later he was getting into his car to leave the complex. He got out and walked over to some fans who ended up being some family friends.
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Well while he was talking with them a crowd gathered and were taking pictures of him talking to his friends. I’d say there ended up being about 100 people there. I didn’t think he’d sign as his hand was in a cast and it was late in the day.
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He finished with his friends and then signed autographs and took pictures with everybody that wanted one. He was talking with people and having a good time. Not just signing and moving on. Just really connecting with people and really being kind and taking extra time to the kids that were there. He was there for a good 30 minutes. I was so impressed. It was probably the best moment I’ve ever seen of a player giving autographs and interacting with fans.
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All that I’ve seen from him has been very classy.

dcollins, everything i’ve ever heard about nomar has been positive. i have no doubt that the man is a stand-up guy.. i met him when he came to a USC-Tennessee Soccer game with Mia, and he was great. he tried to spend time talking to people, signed autographs, etc.

“General manager Frank Wren insists the Braves won’t trade their most valued prospects, apparently not even to bring Jake Peavy to Atlanta.”

Right on! Let’s hope the Dodgers keep the nurturing process going with the young talent. NO to expensive free agent PVLs…NO to trades involving PVLs…No to stop-gap PVL fixes. Manny and Furcal are Dodgers as we speak. Use that 15-day, post-World-Series window, and re-sign them both. Let the kids pitch and hit and bring on 2009.

hey everybody. I can see all the fun that is being had today.
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never trade russell. it’s like yankees without jeter. Russy is our captain and our cornerstone on the team.
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I want to cool position in the organization than just a cheerleader. I want to be sportive,yes I am optimistic. I want them all to feel good about themselves with out being Team Mom…so what is there for me to do?? hmmm..
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has bluecrew come through at all today??

Tru- sounds good to me. Team best friend. Always there when they need a friend 😉 hahaha.. that sounds terrible. But anything to make the team better!! lol
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I just want to be included and make sure they watch their temper and be good role models for the children!
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dc- that post was so long I had to hit ‘page up’ 5 times to get through the whole thing. That must be some kind of record or something

Hello All, I’m back…I read a few blogs up and Amy the Official Athletic Supporter, you are lucky I thing Andre & Russell need you right.
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DCOLLINS – So you are having two-positions here at ITD…BENCH COACH & SCOTT’S ASSISTANT. So you will be working with Halle, Angelina, & Jessica…LOL I’ll bet you’ll be putting O.T. there. And when you are helping Scott and you see those BEACH BALLS…just pop them….and THANKS for the Shopping list. I wish I had some money to buy me one of them…maybe I’ll get me a second job here. You know with the economy being the way it is, aside from being ITD DIRECTOR OF ACTIVIES I’ll also be part-time ITD LAUNDRY LADY FOR THE CLUB HOUSE….yup I’ll make sure those towels are cleaned.
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OH YEAH ENCHANTED GM – DON’T TRADE MARTIN…AMY (ATHLETIC SUPPORTER) WILL MAKE SURE THAT MARTIN DOES HIS BEST AND THAT HE WEARS NO MORE MARY KAY…HE IS MORE OF THE MAC Type (Martin-As-Catcher for the Dodgers)

So all you girls will be down in the Dug out during the game.
DNEL COACH MOM
AMY – ATHLETIC SUPPORTER
CP – BAT GIRL
SARA – BENCH COACH
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Tru and myself need to think of something to join you girls down there..TRU…WATER LADY and I can be the SPANISH TRANSLATOR TO THE PLAYERS….That can be our position during game time…LOL

haha. We can change my title to: Team Supporter.
how about that. We can take out the ‘athletic’ part.
We can go many many places with this joke..but i’mna leave it up to you 🙂
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Rose- good to see you dear.

Hey- I don’t want to be a groupie!!! A respectable friend/ teammate/ motivator!!!
so maybe the name should change.
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E you are working hard on that roster. Aways remeber, Keep the Kemper! 🙂
What you do think the title should be??

Biddy-
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Do wop do wop come on Biddy…
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Whenever I see you name I think of that song.
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You mentioned the other day about U2. You’ve got to see them when you have a chance. They are my favorite band. I’ve seen them many times and they are amazing live.
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Spend whatever you need to so you can see them at least once.

Dcollins- I will go alone if that’s the only way I can afford to go! Every year I pray that they come back. they have to! I have almost all of their songs memorized. What is everyone’s fave album? For me, Achtung Baby and a close close second Rattle and Hum.

dodgersrule- hello! “ETHIER & MARTIN are to stay with the Dodgers, they have no option” i couldn’t agree more!!!! i would also add KEMP & LONEY into that equation too!! 🙂 but where did you ladies hear that they were going to trade our beloved RUSSY away!?!?! i LOVE the young guys we have on our team right now!! i would be HEARTBROKEN to lose any of them! ESPECIALLY those four!!!

ACardona – Enchanted is the ITD General Manager and he put together the Winning team..but left out Martin….LOL
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You have to think of a job title for ITD…I’m the official ITD Activity Director, DNEl is the TeamMom, Cpompe is Bat Girl, Amy is the Team Motivator (management is still deciding on the proper name for her) and so on!

So we are stuck with Pierre…well As Director of Activities, I’m thinking of getting the Dodgers a Mascott…he can wear the custome, but I still don’t know what the Mascott should be. Tru-Merchandiser what do you think will sale out there? He can wear a Trolley Custom! Any ideas.

Acardona ~ Hi. We are definitely going to find you a job….with all of your energy and enthusiasm, it has to be something special. I am the ITD Team Merchandiser and WaterGirl (have to be close to the guys).

Acardona – JP as mascot has such possibilities – LOL!! As far as jobs, how about Team Photographer? That would put you up close and personal with the players. You would be working closely with Kpookiemon, who is the Aestetics Coordinator. He will make sure the team is always looking it’s best.

Biddy-Mine is The Unforgettable Fire.
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They are working on a new album now. They have enough material for a new album already but they were in such a “creative” spot they didn’t want to stop writing and working on the tunes.
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So they are still working on it. They supposedly have enough songs for a few albums.
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It was supposed to be released in November but since they continued to write it is now looking like spring. That would set them up for a summer tour!!
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If they play in Vegas I think we might go there for one of the concerts. That would be a blast!

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Dnel- “Team Photographer” yes it WOULD put me up close to the players!! what more could i ask for!? hehe! but yes team photographer is fine with me! either that OR “Dodger’s Personal Team Interviewer”!?!?! or for short “Team Interviewer”!?!

D’srule & Biddy- you can also go to their website and see many things there & stay in touch with what they are up to.
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Also they have DVD’s of their concerts you could buy or maybe rent. Not nearly the same as being there but still awesome.

DC – I am a U2 fan too. I haven’t seen them live, but it would be great. My husand had a college roommate listened to them 24/7, and kind of got tired of hearing the sound, but has since been better about it.

okay so my options are
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“Team Photographer” = I LOVE IT!!!
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“Team Interviewer” = i get to be up close and talk to our boys!!!
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OR run on the field to “Every day Dre” EVERYDAY!! get his autograph, maybe snap a quick picture, see his gorgeous face….. okay okay sorry i was day dreaming.. haha!!

In regards to U2 if you have comcast cable on demand they have a 2 part special of U2 from back in the early 80’s. It’s a live concert in Germany. Both parts are about 30 minutes. They were probably in their late teens to early 20’s when it was done.
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Go to On Demand>Music>Concert.tv>Never Before Seen
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You’ll see them there. It only lasts until the end of the month though.
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Their concerts have really changed from then. Much more polished but still have the energy! I think if anyone is a U2 Fan or occasional listener you will be a lover of them after seeing them live.

hi Amy! thank you! its good to be here! we’re having some fun with this “ITD jobs” I’m a little confused on wether i should be “Team Photographer” or “Team Interviewer” they’re both GREAT jobs and they both involve being UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL with the players!!! and no i haven’t seen bluecrew..

I think that both jobs are pretty awesome. photographer means you have more autonomy with the players and the stadium. You can go EVERYWHERE and cover everything…all moments. True, there are no obvious conversations, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t speak to them..plus you get to be there and capture all the special moments that no one else gets to see.
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Interviewer- you get to get to speak with them and be creative with your questions. You would have a dialouge going which could be cool. but then you’d only be restricted to game times and game related situations.
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Sooo.. i think photographer gets you a better ‘in’
🙂 my opnion

I had a parent-teacher conference today with a parent of one of my girls, and she said thank you for turning her daughter into a Dodger Fanatic. This is not my song writer (Ethieraholic minime). She’s a fanatic too – she currently spends all her free time writing facts about Andre.

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okay everyone, is was great talking with you!! i’m gunna get going now.. i have a mandatory meeting at work tomorrow and i have so many things i need to get done before then! Have a great night!! GO DODGERS!!!

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Acardona= Ethieraholic and dodger fan for life!!! ALSO Team Photographer!! 🙂

Photographer is a great call. If I wasn’t cleaning up the hooligans that would be a fun job.
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When I was at the game I did see a funny encounter between Chan Ho and one of the photographers.
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I was watching the game from left field behind the bullpen. One of their photographers was there taking shots from down the line, etc…
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Chan Ho was throwing mini bottles of Vitamin Water and Snickers bars to/at him.
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So I think the players do interact with the photographers.
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That or maybe it’s bribe for not taking pictures of them picking their nose!!

HEY ITD!
don’t forget I have OFFICIAL ITD ON-SITE EVENT REPORTER…since she I attend most of these events!.
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I hate that I try posting for the upteen time and I get disconnected here at the hotel in Boston. ughhh. traffic getting here was worst than L.A. Weather is great though. I leave in the 7:30 a.m. flight! tomorrow morning!

DC – I am glad Ellis signed with the A’s again. There will be some very happy A’s fans. He is the staple of that team, and that’s a good thing. He is a great PVL.

Sara – I for sure knew you were kidding about Milton Bradley, but who in the hell would want Milton Bradley back? The A’s sure wouldn’t want him back so why would we? He’s like the Terrell Owens of baseball – doesn’t get what he wants and throws a fit. Plus, we got Andre for him – what better deal was that – the few things Ned did right.

I am also glad to see you are bench coach. We’ve got dodgereric manager well taken care of, along with the players.

Team writer would be good too. Director of Music would be boring, I’d just let Nancy Bea Hefley do her thing with the 88 keys.

Am I Official Sounding Board for the Dodgers Franchise? Unbiased Voice of the Fans? Homer Sportswriter who still has Kevin Malone on speeddial? Crusty Curmudgeon who prattles on about the Decline of the MLB Empire? Bitter Blogger?

Then again, you can combine mine and trublue’s idea, and just write an ongoing journal of the team, using stories, songs and pictures, and then at the end of the season, turn it all into a book to commemorate the entire season from start to finish.

I’ve been working the phones and finally found a taker – Kia Tigers. Best of all, I get a player from them with major league experience. One I’m sure you and JoeyP are familiar with – Hee-Seop Choi! He’ll report to Albuquerque.

I also had to agree to a little side deal so they’d take his salary, so we’re all going to drive Sophia’s.

It’s basically because that region grows a lot of Tomatoes, my mom grew up around that region and she said that was one of their main crops. Los Yaquis are the native’s from around that area in Sonora so I guess that’s where the name comes from. Los Venados(deers) from Mazatlan get their name because Mazatlan means Land of the Deer or something like that in Nahuatl…where my dad is from in Nayarit the team is called Los Pureros because they make or made a lot of cigars there.

Jeanette, awesome! Thanks, I’ve been curous about the names of the Mexican baseball leagues. The only name I could think of offhand that is similar to the Tomateros and Naranjaeros in US sports is the Nebraska Cornhuskers. I’m probably missing a lot there.

I’ve done my job, now its Eric’s to make it work and guide us to the playoffs!!

Where’d Wally, er my trainer, er jhall go?
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Probably found his own two physical therapists to play doctor, I mean to help with the examinations.
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I’m gonna have to dock that trainer a day’s pay for nappin’ on the job.

lol My parent’s are leaving to Mexico tonight actually and this just reminded me to tell them to bring me a shirt of the Pureros because last time I was there I couldn’t get one but right now is the season for them so PERFECT! 🙂

did anyone see Manny on TMZ? he didn’t say much..but he’s now being chased my paparazzi! AND some dude in my class told me he saw him at a Ralphs out in Pasadena..i dunno if he was lying to me though lol

You know, I would feel totally different about the WS if they hadn’t come onto our blog (and Andre’s blog) and did what they did. I could have been okay with ethier team winning, but it’s really hard to pull for them now. And after seeing that video, it kind of nails it shut for me.

You know, if I ran the Tampa Bay Rays, I would’ve had Joe Carter throwing out the first pitch tonight, the anniversary of his Phillies-killing performance. One thing about Phils Phans, they give up easy, then turn on their own team. You think aramis08’s exploits on DeRosa’s blog were shameful, the Hawaiian will really be cryin’ after reading the stuff on his blog if the Phils blow it.

okay, i know curt shilling is a punk. so believe what you will, or dismiss this completely.. but here’s a LONG post he wrote talking about the manny situation.. read only if you care enough.. because i’m warning you that it’s REALLY LONG~

Just to be clear..

No one wants to hear less about the ending of the season and the whys than fans that love the Sox. While I am officially no longer a member of this organization I have read and keep reading the “What if” stories as they relate to Manny and the team and the playoffs.

Enough has been said by anyone, and everyone, involved that it makes peoples ears bleed but it still appears a huge important piece to the puzzle is being missed.

First off anyone saying

Jason Bay is a nice player, but he’s not Manny.

is just not a very smart baseball person. Putting up the numbers he did in Pittsburgh has been vastly downplayed in my opinion. Yes his last year was less than stellar but in the Major Leagues that happens. Bottom line is this guy is a 30/100 above average on base guy who plays his *** off in the field and runs the bases hard and right. Is he Manny? Hell no, who is? Who has ever been? But he’s far more than a ‘nice player’. Nice players are guys that play 140 games, hit 275 and drive in some runs, and are good guys. This guy is a very good, very good player. Not only that but he proved the October limelight is not something that will make him wilt. Oh and he had a hell of a nice run the last few months in a market that couldn’t be more opposite than Pittsburgh.

That’s beside the initial point though. People are going to say, and have been saying, what if Manny had stayed? What if Manny had done what he did in LA, in Boston? If TJ Siemers can crawl out of Manny’s butt long enough he’d objectively look at what happened and know he’s at the front of the ‘I’m going to look like an *** at some point’ line and wake up. I’ve made enough horses *** comments to know to at least be aware now, when I am headed down that path….

It was NEVER a question of Manny’s ability, ever. Hell I am not sure anyone had more run ins with him, as a teammate, than I did, but I’ll never say anything other than this guy studied and practiced the art of hitting, and executed, as well as anyone I’ve ever seen.

No, that wasn’t the issue, and no one argues that. What was the issue, and this is my opinion only, became very clear to anyone in or around the team at this point. The issue was not whether he would play ‘hard’ every day. He ALWAYS hit, but the game is so much more than swinging the bat it’s laughable. No, the issue was whether he would actually PLAY. I don’t mean play hard, play tough, play lazy, no, PLAY.

He had in the past taken days off. Hell most guys do. He certainly had his own way of doing it and it was never ever with thought to anyone but himself but for the most part I always took it with the “Manny knows his body better than anyone”. We all knew there were times it was just ‘He didn’t feel like playing today” and by ‘playing’ that meant anything. Pinch hitting, pinch running, anything. His days off for the most part were totally off. That’s not common, not at all. You played that day, or series of days, with a 24 man roster, that was never a thing you doubted or that came unexpected after awhile. As a pitcher that is and always will be a factor in being a leader in the clubhouse. A starting pitcher has very little idea what these guys do to their bodies every day. But what I do know is I played 23 years of professional baseball and have played with guys that ran the spectrum. The guy who said “I’m good” while trying to catch with a broken collarbone, and the guy who literally HAD to feel 100% to take BP. So for a pitcher to question a position player, well in certain contexts that just didn’t happen, but you also knew your teammates and you got to see ‘behind the curtain’ when that ‘hurt’ guy took 5 days off and spent less than 10 minutes in the training room. A direct opposite to the guy who took one day off, made sure the manager knew he could Pinch Hit if needed, and spent the game running back and forth from the bench to the training room getting interval treatment as he could.

No, by saying PLAY I mean exactly that. The issue got to the point where everyone finally took him at his word, there was no choice. A guy refusing to get on a team plane, having to be literally coaxed on, by people with pride and people that love the game, because meeting the obligations of a 20 million dollar contract were not even close to enough to get him going???? If he did not get traded he was going to need “time off” to rest his injured knee, and it got to the point where he made it clear time off could mean the rest of the season. Few guys will admit to it and that’s cool, I get that, but no one, if in the right situation, would ever deny that was anything but true.

So it’s not ‘what could have been’, we knew what was to be, and what was to be was that if he did not get a contract extension he was going to take a seat, and in taking that seat he didn’t give a rats *** what anyone thought, including the 24 guys that wore the same uniform. So the ‘what could have been’ in the post season is not the question. The question is would there have been a post season if he had stayed, and that’s a question, and a gamble, that I think everyone felt they knew the answer too and in the end a gamble no one was willing to take, and rightly so.

People continue to try and assign logic to the thoughts and decisions made when we all knew so many illogical things were said and done that logic was far from a factor in 99% of the things happening at the end. I don’t think Scott Boras told many to ‘tank it’, Manny’s a grown man and any decisions or actions he made are all on him.

It is demeaning and disrespectful to the guys that did respect their teammates, the game and the fans by busting their ***** through broken down hips, sore arms, strained abs and whatever, to grind it out for each other and the fans, their love of the game and anything else you can think of, the organization, to hear people question the hows and whys of this whole thing. That was why I said ‘he flipped you all off’ because if you heard ANYTHING he said after he left, he did.

Ya, remember this guy was at the forefront of bringing the first world championship to Boston in 2004 (but please also throw a cheer or three Foulkies way, that guy was the man in October of 04), remember this guy, along with David, made the most fearsome middle of the order of our lifetimes, remember when he was at the plate you better not THINK of not being able to watch what he might do. This guy, when he hit, changed games BEFORE he came to the plate.

But the thing that killed me in the end was this; he never gave a rats *** about any of us that suited up with him, not one iota. He was, and he said repeatedly, about going to the highest bidder and getting as much money as he possibly could, period. If that meant pissing on us in the interim, so be it.

Hey! That’s cool, that’s 100% your prerogative. But please don’t crap all over the guy, or guys that spent years as your ‘teammates’ covering your *** by saying “Aww that’s just Manny being Manny” and the hundreds of thousands of other things we needed to say to stop the stories from being more than they could. Please don’t piss all over the Manager and GM who pretty much swallowed every ounce of pride they possessed because they knew that it was ‘win above all else’ here to the fans and owners. Manny had a cult following because Manny could hit and act goofy, period. Hey that’s cool, that’s what some fans love an that’s fine, but that’s it.

Manny left because Manny wanted to get Manny the largest possible contract Manny could. That happens and that’s fine. But the Sox got a player that’s going to help them get back to October next year out of a situation they could have been left with a player not playing, and a patch work of guys filling in for the rest of the year.

That doesn’t mean, to me anyway, that the question should be “How much farther would we have gotten” but rather “Would we have gotten there?”

Why on earth would ANY situation be as good as it’s ever been? Why would things be so fun and nice and happy and exciting AFTER you lose a first ballot HALL OF FAME PLAYER? Is the rest of the baseball world that much smarter than a guy widely recognized as one of, if not the, best GMs in the game? Is a guy widely recognized as one of the best managers, and on top of that best human beings, in the game that dumb? Couldn’t it be that the opposite is true?

Don’t ask how far they could have gone. Let it be what it is. That team went from 7 runs down and 7 outs to the end of a season that had more turmoil and injuries than the Dallas Cowboys, to tying run on base in the 8th inning of game 7. One game from the World Series.

Is that good enough? Ask the players, they’ll all tell you hell no because it’s now different here. They now, and rightly so, expect to win the World Series every year. Anything short of that is disappointing and you can scream all you want but it’s realistic, and earned. Ya it’s not the Yankees of the late ’90s, but it’s getting there. This group has earned a place of respect in baseball that’s been earned and the onus is on them to maintain that level of expectation through performance, on and off the field. But for me, personally, the far cooler piece is that the composition of players on the team now, and the organization, is now setup to be held to a far higher standard personally and professionally, and with that comes good things. The fans deserve that, the game deserves that.

Joe Maddon benches his star young player twice and his team reaches the World Series. Hell Scioscia has to pretty much kick a star offensive player off his team during the playoffs, it might even have cost them a shot at getting to the World Series in 04. I’m ok with saying it because while you can scream all you want about things I’ve said in the past, I’ve never intentionally disrespected the game, or my teammates, never. I’ve said dumb things and done a few real stupid ones, never was anything said or done with the intent to disrespect either, anyone telling you otherwise is a liar.

I promise Tito, Jim Fregosi, maybe even Bob Brenly and Frank Robinson will tell you I was a pain in the butt at times because I talked too much though the GMs might say it a little more adamantly. But there isn’t a coach or GM I ever played for that will tell you I didn’t bust my *** every day I had the ball in my hand or that I was ever unprepared for the job at hand, or that I ever played the game with anything but respect. I am not a Hall of Famer, I’ve known that since suiting up with one. I played with guys that don’t and will never like me, hell that happens. But I cared about every teammate I ever had and I cared what my teammates thought of me when it was my day, and I cared what the guys in the other dugout thought of me when they had to compete against me. Beyond that what people ‘knew’ of me was/is far less than anyone ever will beyond my friends and family.

The Sox are poised to be a force in baseball for the next decade. The Left Fielder is a perennial All Star, the staff is littered with aces, the bullpen is anchored by a guy that will end the decade as the games most dominant closer, the first and second baseman should finish 1-2 in the MVP race (not sure what order), the team has a HUGE pool of young, homegrown, talent in the majors, and on the way, the manager, though bald with an enormous nose, is as good a manager as anyone in the game and manages people better than anyone I’ve been around, he cares, deeply, about his players and hsi staff and that matters to them all, the coaching staff has 2 future managers at least, one future GM, the fans got their 4th ALCS in 6 years. It’s a new time, a new team and the future is awesome. Remember the 2008 Red Sox as a team that persevered thorugh a lot more than 90% of the teams in the game and battled their ***** off to within 2 runs of a World Series while authoring the greatest comeback ever for a team faced with elimination. Remember them for the 3rd baseman that played through what could only be described as a broken hip, an Ace that gutted out a game that will be horribly under appreciated forever, in a must win. Remember 2008 as the year Jon Lester, a cancer survivor, turned into one of the premier pitchers in the game, not the league, the game. Remember them as the team who’s closer extended a record post season scoreless streak even farther, remember them for their 2nd baseman, a five foot nothing guy who can fricking rake (though he knows he can’t hit me) a gold glove first baseman who cemented his place as a premier all around stud (though bald and a mullion). Those are the things to remember this team by, those are the things that matter.

No more ‘what could have beens’, they are good enough now to take responsibility for what is, and what will be, and there isn’t a player on this team that will shun accountability or responsibility for their actions or their teams. That’s a pretty cool thing.

yeah dnelly.. thought provoking indeed.. i’m not going to say that i think curt shilling’s word is gold, but i’m also not going to dismiss it completely. he has no real reason to lie about the situation.. i guess i’ve always been on the side of beliving that there’s much more internal turmoil involving manny than people will believe.. so i’m not going to start arguments on here with the manny lovers.. i’ve tried my hardest to stay away from that since the trade happened.. but at the same time, production doesn’t give you the right to do whatever you want.. so people can’t just turn a blind eye to the possibility that the man hurts just as much as he helps..

as everyone should be dnelly.. i think everyone already knows that even if he comes back, things aren’t going to be the same as it was.. the production will decline, at least a little bit.. and he’s just around the corner from 40.. he’s already a terrible defender, and it’s only going to get worse.. investing a lot of money hoping things will remain great is one thing, but investing a lot of years hoping the same things would be disastrous

We have had too many long-term contracts be disastrous, so hopefully those will stay fresh in Ned and Frank’s mind (or should I say enchanted’s mind) as to not repeat the same mistakes – just think Jason Schmidt and Juan Pierre (to name a few), and it should jolt their memory.

Sara, I respect your conviction, and Schilling would know better than most about having him as a teammate. I liked this honeymoon with Manny, but I wonder how things will be if the two get hitched. Will there be a difference in how he affects the clubhouse? I don’t see any reason why there would be. But the past speaks volumes, and if we sign him to a 3 year deal, we’d better hope that after Torre’s contract ends, that there will be another guy able to diffuse any potential explosive situations.

It’s like two different Manny’s, the one written about in Boston newspapers who pushes down elderly clubhouse workers and doesn’t show up 100%, and the one we’ve seen the past few months who is a natural Grade A L.A. Superstar, with somewhat of a sparkling public demeanor to boot.

Maybe he’s ready to leave some stuff behind him. But anyone looking to get him would know what they’re getting into. Seeing his offensive performance, it’d be hard for me to dislike getting him back, definitely a lot more justifiable than the money we’ve spent on Druw, Phew, Schmidt, etc, this guy’s already performed in our uniform.

dnelly, i definitely hope they can learn from their own past mistakes..

nsb, you’re right. it is like two different mannys. but i just don’t/can’t/won’t believe that someone can entirely reinvent themselves long-term. trying to be a great person and teammate for 2 months here to drive boston people insane, and to earn a big contract, might have been simple.. but keeping up the facade for a few years would be immensely difficult..

Yeah Sara, gotcha. Remember when Gary Sheffield, in his contract year, became a born-again Christian, said all that stuff was behind him, and that he would love nothing less than to retire a Dodger? Who was his agent again?

All that being said, NSB being Manny is still on my short list for Halloween costumes. Would have been my hands-down favorite if we had made it that one step farther, but ____ happens, so it’s between that, Frat-Boy Bush, and a L.A. Woman-era Jim Morrison (I have the hair, can get the beard).

I will say, though, if I still lived in SoCal, and people would get the reference, I’d be James Loney celebrating winning the division, with the goggles, a milk jug, and the “We Love Manny Being Manny” shirt. Whenever I look back on this season, that’ll be the lasting image I have, as far as photos go.

Good Morning ITD. Good morning DNelly! I think that my official title as far as my team goes is “Team Nurse”. I could nurse them back to health and help their sore muscles! As for the subject of Chan Ho Park. I have met him and talked to him a few times as I have posted in the past. He is absolutely wonderful. He throws batting practice balls to the little ones and actually plays catch with them. He also is one pitcher who goes out and signs autographs. Everyone have a great day.

Good Morning ITD
.
Xoxo – Team Nurse that is a good one, I’m the Director of Activites/Spanish Translator…yup with the recession I had to take to jobs and plus being the Translator it allows me to be in the field during game time…LOL!.
.
ENCHANTED GM- MAC! MAC! MAC! (Martin As Catcher!) It seems that most of ITD want Russell Martin to be in your list. Now remember we manage to ge Ethier more playing time! We can join power and get Martin in your List….LOL!
.
I’m still thinking of the OFFICIAL ITD MASCOTT, which we may have Juan Pierre wear the Custome. Enchanted the GM can’t trade Juan Pierre (nobody wants him) so I recommend that he becomes useful and put him at the mascott. He has the energy to keep the kids busy…we can still have a kid run up to him and ask him for his autograph at the beginning of games.
.
Well as activity Director (and have been reading your request) I will work on having “LADIES FIELD DAY”, which instead of having the kids run up their fave player, we will have the Ladies run up.
.
***JOSH****
LADIES FIELD DAY! Josh if it can be done…please let us know.

morning Tru and /Rose- I don’t think anyone is out there, but I hope all is well.
.
It’s a new day and a step closer to the return of Dodger baseball. I chose to wear my Dodger sweatshirt today to work. I had to represent a little for the best team ever!
.
Rose- I’d LOVE to participate in ladies Field day 🙂 I’ll head out to center field- called it 🙂
.
It’s Friday!!

Field Day sounds like fun, and did you read that Andre and Russell are hosting “Under the Lights” now – hmmmmm. I was already considering it after just seeing Andre as host, but now having both, makes the temptation a little stronger.

WE LOVE OUR DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!
365 DAYS A YEAR
24 HOURS A DAY
7 DAYS A WEEK
EVERYDAY – DODGER BLUE IS THE WAY!!!!

Hey Dodger4life– I’ve been to Boise State. Yah, in college we would travel there for indoor track meets. It would snow and being form SoCal it was always strange to us (we would go in January). Good memories 🙂 Are you from there? or do you just cheer for the team??
.
Rose- did you see that now Russell Martin is hosting the ‘Under the Lights’ clinic? So not fair!!!!! It’s so out of my price range 😦

I think it’s great that you represent the Dodgers in Idaho!! It’s a huge difference between Boise and LA! That is for sure. They held our competition in Livestock centers, putting the track right over the rodeo ring. Great stuff.
I miss college and being an athlete. great time in my life.

$500 is a little more than my car payment..and a little less than my rent. It’s important money!!! I can’t use my credit card either. I am trying everything not to use them anymore. The payments are getting too high!!
.
Russy..to meet and greet. how fabulous 🙂

I would rather stay home! 🙂 but I can’t…if I don’t go to class all my other plans for the day, all the errands I have to run probably won’t happen! The class isn’t even bad (Communications Law), but having to drive from Inglewood to Fullerton for one, 50 minute class is what sucks!

I went to the University if California, Riverside.
Which is in the Big West- same as Cal State Fullerton where our friend Janette is on her way to right now 😉
.
We had to travel as far as the mid-west to compete in indoor season. I”ve also been to U. of Iowa for track. Such a different world out there!

Possibly. It was at a Livestock Center— does that sound right?? They were also having a HUGE country concert in the building next door and now I can’t think of the singer’s name in save my life. He had about 20 tour buses ready to set up his stage, the same time we were competing.
.
That’s cool, I just moved from Norco..small world right? I am happy to be gone from the inland empire. no offense to eric, rose or bluecrewgirl~ I had my fun, and now it’s done. I put in a good 6 years of my life there.
.

Can’t say I know any Cooters. Get a warm blanket and some toasty socks Dodgerlife!!
you are make me cold..lol 🙂
.
Rose- I’m glad you are happy and setteled. Have you ever eaten at ‘Mi Tortilla’ right off the University exit on the 91? Across from the Spaghetti Factory?? I miss that place!

I am soooo jealous. I miss Mi Tortilla so very much. I used to live right there..off of Spruce street. I miss those days sometimes, and not so much on other day. Wow, I could go for their chip bar, and their barbacoa…yummy!!! I would go so much that they always knew who I was.
Rose- I’m going to use you for all my Riverside updates. I will live through you. I would also go to their other restaurant ‘Jose’s
‘ there is one in MoVal and one in Riverside off the 91 on the Castle Park exit.. Pierce? I can’t think of the correct exit name?

There is 2 Jose’s in MoVal. I use to work in the Jose’s of Pigeous Pss in MoVal, that was my first job, it was fun. Also there is another Jose’s in Glen Avon and another Mi Tortilla in Redlands..
.
Riverside is changing big time.
.
My sister is a UCR alumni!

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overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Other then that, fantastic blog!
Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.
Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thank you
Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it tough to set up your own blog? I’m not
very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick.
I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin.
Do you have any points or suggestions? Cheers
Howdy! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My blog looks weird when browsing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this problem.
If you have any suggestions, please share. Appreciate it!

I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your blogs really nice,
keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later on. Many thanks
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to
construct my own blog and would like to find out
where u got this from. thanks a lot
Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Great choice of colors!
Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly.
I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in
two different web browsers and both show the same
outcome.
Heya are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get
started and set up my own. Do you need any coding expertise to make your own
blog? Any help would be really appreciated!
Howdy this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code
with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?
Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok.

I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers? I’m kinda
paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?
Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO? I’m trying to get
my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share. Many thanks!
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting
my own weblog and was wondering what all is required to get
set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m
not very web savvy so I’m not 100% sure. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its
a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I’m not sure why but this web site is loading extremely
slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem
or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
Hey! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and
look forward to all your posts! Carry on the outstanding work!

Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all
that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say superb blog!

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